Lymphoma Staging Scheme

The Ann Arbor staging classification is commonly used for the staging of lymphomas and is the scheme defined in the AJCC Manual for Staging Cancer. Originally developed for Hodgkin's disease, this staging scheme was later expanded to include non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Staging of Lymphoma: Ann Arbor classification

Stage I

Involvement of a single lymph node region (I) or of a single extra-lymphatic organ or site (IE)

Stage II

Involvement of two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm (II) or localised involvement of extra-lymphatic organ or site and of one or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm (IIE).

Stage III

Involvement of lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm (III) which may also be accompanied by localised involvement of extralymphatic organ or site (IIIE) or by involvement of the spleen (IIIS) or both (IIISE)

Stage IV

Diffuse or disseminated involvement of one or more extralymphatic organs or tissues with or without associated lymph node enlargement.